His Holiness Aram I is departing for a pontifical visit to the Eastern Prelacy of the United States, which includes Armenian communities in Boston, Chicago, Detroit, and other regions. It’s worth noting that last year, in 2023, the Catholicos visited different communities of the same diocese. Prior to his visit to the United States, His…
Under the patronage and blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, a delegation from the Fresno Medical Mission Council has arrived in Lebanon, headed by Fresno’s Honorary Consul of Armenia and President of the Council, Berj Apkarian. On Tuesday, September 17th, 2024, the delegation made a heartfelt visit to His Holiness at his summer residence…
On Friday, September 13th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, accompanied by his pontifical delegation, paid a visit to the Armenian Catholic Patriarch His Beatitude Raphaël Bedros XXI at the Catholic Patriarchate. The visit coincided with the transfer of the remains of Patriarch Cardinal Krikor Bedros XV Aghajanian from the Vatican. The meeting provided an…
The grape harvest and molasses preparation by the seminarians is one of the most cherished traditions at St. Mary Monastery. Every September, this activity is carried out by the Seminarians and priests, with the molasses later to be enjoyed at breakfast throughout the year. On September 11th, His Holiness Aram I visited the molasses preparation…
On September 3rd, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Canadian Ambassador to Lebanon, Stefanie McCollum, in his summer residence in Bikfaya. During their meeting, they discussed key topics including the ongoing war in Gaza, the Lebanese presidential election, Armenia-Canada relations and the contributions of the Armenian community in Canada, as well as the…
On Thursday, August 29th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Lebanese Ambassador to the Vatican, Dr. Farid el-Khazen. Ambassador el-Khazen provided an update on the Vatican’s efforts to address Lebanon’s challenges and shared the positive reception of His Holiness’s recent lecture at the Vatican. In turn, His Holiness Aram I shared his thoughts…
With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, a commemorative volume celebrating the jubilee of the “Shnorhali” choir was published by the Catholicosate’s printing house in Antelias. The editorial team for this publication includs: V. Rev. Zaven Najarian, Sevan Tanielian-Meguerian, Shoghig Yepremian, Dr. Shaghig Hudaverdian, Khajag Boyadjian, and Garo Ohannessian.
On Tuesday evening, August 20th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received His Beatitude Patriarch Raphaël Bedros XXI of the Armenian Catholic Church, who was accompanied by Bishop Robert (Krikor) Badichah, Auxiliary Bishop of the Patriarchal Eparchy of Beirut. In attendance with His Holiness were: H.E. Arch. Shahe Panossian, Prelate of the Armenian Prelacy in…
Following a week of fasting period leading up to the feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary and the Pilgrimage Day of the St. Mary Monastery, the feast of the Assumption was celebrated by a Divine Liturgy on Sunday, August 18th, 2024. His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the Liturgy at St. Gregory…
Every year, on the Pilgrimage Day of St. Mary the Monastery, the Cilician Brotherhood and volunteers prepared Madagh (sacrificial offering) overnight. The Madagh is blessed during the Holy Liturgy held on Saturday evening by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, and it is distributed to the faithful at the end of the Liturgy. On this occasion,…
The week preceding the Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is observed as Pilgrimage Week at St. Mary Monastery in Bikfaya. During this period, under the auspices of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, the Christian Education Department organizes a series of Bible studies and prayer services at the monastery chapel. From August 12th…
In recent days, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Lebanese Ambassador to Colombia—Ara Khatchadourian—and the Lebanese Consul to Qatar—Shant Vartanian. His Holiness commended their work in their respective roles, underlining that the Armenian Community in Lebanon not only constitutes one of the major sects in the country but also actively contributes to its welfare…
Newly elected prelates of the Holy See of Cilicia visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to receive his blessings and guidance. The prelates included H.E. Arch. Gomidas Ohanian, Pontifical Vicar of Cyprus, H.E. Arch. Kegham Khatcherian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy in the USA, H.E. Arch. Magar Ashkarian, prelate of Peria (Syria), and V. Rev.…
On Friday, July 19th, the opening of the International Armenological Congress, organized by the Mesrob Mashdots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts–“Matenadaran,” took place with the participation of H.E. Arch. Shahan Sarkissian—Director of the Cilicia Library and the Ancient Manuscript Department at the Catholicosate—and V. Rev. Fr. Dajad Ashekian—the Chancellor of the Catholicosate, with the blessing of…
With a pontifical letter, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I appointed H.E. Archbishop Gomidas Ohanian as Pontifical Vicar to the Armenian Prelacy in Cyprus. Over the past decades, Archbishop Gomidas has assumed monastic and diocesan positions in Syria, Greece, and Venezuela. Arch. Gomidas is a graduate of the University of Thessaloniki. Notably, His Holiness appointed V.…
With the blessing of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, H.E. Arch. Shahan Sarkissian—Director of the Cilicia Library and the Ancient Manuscripts Department at the Catholicosate of Cilicia—participated in the inaugural session of the Armenian spiritual manuscript centers, On Wednesday, July 17th, on behalf of the Holy See of Cilicia. At the session, he extended the…
On Friday, July 12th, 2024, Serop Ohanian—Executive Director of the Howard Karagheusian Foundation—Raquelle Ketchejian and Janine Tanielian Markarian visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to receive his pontifical blessings. During the meeting, they briefed His Holiness on the mission and challenges of the Foundation, as well as the community’s medical, social, and mental health challenges.…
The Armenological Center of the Educational-Armenological Department at the Catholicosate of Cilicia held its 2023-2024 graduation ceremony in Bikfaya, attended by the Cilician Brotherhood, faculty members, students, and graduates. His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the ceremony and distributed certificates to the graduates. Mr. Aharon Shekerdemian, Director of the Center, opened the ceremony with…
On Monday, July 8th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I extended a congratulatory letter to the newly elected president of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian. He expressed warm congratulations on behalf of the Holy See of Cilicia, its prelacies, and especially the Armenian Community in Iran. Catholicos Aram I highlighted the historical relations and good neighborliness between…
On Saturday, July 6th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Chair of the Armenian Revolutionary Delegation (ARF) Bureau Hagop Der Khatchadourian. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss matters concerning Armenia, Armenia-Diaspora relations, and challenges faced by the Armenians in general.
On Friday, July 5th, 2024, a delegation representing the Regional Committee of the Armenian Democratic Liberal Party (Ramgavar), headed by the chair Dr. Avedis Dakessian, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. During the meeting, they discussed matters pertaining to Armenia-Diaspora relations and the current situation in Lebanon.
On July 1st, 2024, the Diocesan National Representatives Assembly of the Prelacy of Greece convened for an exceptional meeting with the sole agenda of electing a new prelate for the prelacy. After reading His Holiness’s message, the election took place and V. Rev. Fr. Sahag Yemishian was elected. The results were then communicated to His…
On Saturday, June 29th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the President of the United Church of Christ, Rev. Dr. Karen Thompson, accompanied by the President of the Union of the Armenian Evangelical Churches in the Near East (UAECNE) and the President of the Haigazian University, Rev. Dr Paul Haidostian. Rev. Dr. Thompson is…
The Armenian Ambassador to Lebanon Vahakn Atapekyan met with His Holiness Catholicos Aram I following his visit to Armenia. During the meeting, they discussed various issues concerning Armenia, the Armenian Diaspora, and Lebanon.
On Sunday, June 30th, 2024, the 29th anniversary of the election and consecration of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I was celebrated with special prayers during the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias. Traditionally, this occasion is celebrated with thanksgiving prayers, hymn recitations, and Bible readings. The Cilician Brotherhood ascended the Holy…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I convened with the Cilician Brotherhood residing in Antelias to announce the division of roles within the brotherhood and discuss forthcoming summer projects. During his speech, he also highlighted the values of a priest in the Armenian Church and emphasized the importance of collective mentality. He acknowledged the numerous challenges they…
Adana Project, an Armenian Folk-Symphonic Metal band known for covering Armenian folk songs, is in Lebanon for a concert. On this occasion, they visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to receive his blessings. The band members introduced themselves to the Catholicos, sharing the story of their formation, purpose, and mission. His Holiness commended their dedication…
The Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, is visiting Lebanon for five days, meeting with both spiritual and political leaders. On Tuesday, June 25th, 2024, Cardinal Parolin, upon the invitation of Patriarch Cardinal Mar Bechara Boutros Al-Rai, convened with Christian and Muslim spiritual heads at the Maronite Patriarchate in Bkerke. Patriarch Rai, Cardinal Parolin,…
On Monday, June 24th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received Ishkhan Saghatelyan—Chair of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Supreme Council of Armenia—accompanied by MP Hagop Pakradouni—Chair of ARF Lebanon and Head of the Armenian Parliamentary Bloc—and Alber Balabanian—ARF Lebanon Central Committee member. The meeting was an opportunity to discuss the recent developments in Armenia…
Within the multifaceted mission of the Armenian Church, the Christian Education Department organizes weekly Bible studies on Tuesday mornings. The closing ceremony of this year’s sessions took place on Tuesday, June 18th, 2024, in the presence of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, who delivered a heartfelt message encouraging participants to incorporate the lessons from the…
On Tuesday, June 18th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, Moujtaba Amani, accompanied by embassy political officials. They discussed the delayed Lebanese presidential election during the meeting and exchanged their opinions. Addressing the issue of Artsakh, His Holiness highlighted the right of return for Artsakh Armenians to their homeland…
A delegation from the “Independent for Lebanon” assembly visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. The visit aimed to discuss Lebanon’s recent challenges and to learn about the outcome of His Holiness’ visit to the Vatican.
Presided over by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, three seminarians—Minas Jansezian, Hovhannes Baydounian, and Kevork Yacoubian—were ordained as deacons during the Sunday Divine Liturgy on June 9, 2024. The ordination ceremony was conducted by H.E. Shahan Sarkissian, with V. Rev. Fr. Kevork Karageozian serving as the sponsoring priest. During the ceremony, the candidates ascended the…
On Saturday, June 8th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Armenian Ambassador to Lebanon, Vahakn Atapekyan. During the meeting, they discussed the recent developments in Armenia and the region.
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received Dr. Hampig Sarafian, chair of the Central Committee of the Social Democrat Hunchag Party, along with other members of the party’s Lebanese committee, on Friday, June 7th, 2024. During the meeting, their discussion focused on recent developments in Armenia and relations between Armenia and the Diaspora. In light of…
During the Sunday Divine Liturgy on June 2nd, 2024, presided over by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, H.E. Arch. Shahan Sarkissian conducted the ordination ceremony for nine seminarians, ordaining them as acolytes and subdeacons. V. Rev. Fr. Azad Filikian acted as the sponsoring priest for the ordination.…
On Wednesday, May 29th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the US Ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson, at the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias. During the one-hour meeting, His Holiness and Ambassador Johnson discussed several issues related to Lebanon, including the delayed Lebanese presidential election, strategies for overcoming the ongoing socio-economic crisis, and pathways…
A little while ago, we learned about the obstacle created by the police at the entrance to Sartarabad for Catholicos of All Armenians Karekin II. We strongly condemn this deeply shameful incident, which undermines our nation’s moral and spiritual values. Where is Armenia heading, our beloved homeland, for whose independence and eternal existence our saints…
The Holy See of Cilicia is closely monitoring the developments in Armenia, with the catholicoi of the Armenian Church maintaining constant communication. In his message on the occasion of the First Independence of the Republic of Armenia, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I emphasized the utmost importance of preserving Armenia’s independence, territorial integrity, and security, as…
On Friday, May 24th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the representatives of the Central Committee of the Social Democrat Hunchag Party During the visit, they discussed issues related to Armenia and Lebanon. They emphasized the importance of strengthening cooperation between the parties on matters affecting the Armenian communities.
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I extended a letter of condolences to Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader of Iran, on the tragic event that resulted in the death of President Seyed Ebrahim Raisi and his delegation, including the foreign minister and the governor of Iran’s East Azerbaijan Province. On behalf of the Holy See of…
On Sunday, May 19th, 2024, following the Divine Liturgy, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over a requiem service commemorating the 40th day of the passing of philanthropist Ani Bezikian. Her husband, Alecco, and her children, Aram and Zareh, had traveled from Italy and Switzerland to attend the service. Following the church ceremony, a memorial…
With the blessings and ordinance of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, four young priests, V. Rev. Frs.: Yezegiel Selloumian; Yesayi Eordekian; Yezras Tenekedjian; and Yeghia Malkhasian, defended their thesis for the four ranks of Vartabed (Doctor in dogma of the Church) on May 11th, 2024. After successful defenses before the Catholicos and in the presence…
On Friday, May 10th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Holy See of Cilicia, His Holiness Pope Tawadros II of the Coptic Orthodox Church, and His Holiness Patriarch Mor Ignatius Aphrem II of the Syriac Orthodox Church met at the Coptic Patriarchate in Cairo. This gathering, part of a fellowship established in 1996…
On Thursday, May 9th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received MP Ardzvig Minasyan, deputy of the Armenian National Assembly from the Armenian Revolutionary Federation party (ARF) and secretary for the “Armenia” faction. Accompanying MP Minasyan were the Lebanese Armenia MP and ARF Lebanon chair Hagop Pakradouni, and ARF Lebanon Central Committee member Alber Balabanian.…
On Tuesday evening, May 7th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Holy See of Cilicia established contact with His Holiness Karekin II of the Holy See of St. Etchmiadzin, expressing full solidarity with the statement published on the same day by the Supreme Spiritual Council of the Holy See of St. Etchmiadzin, regarding…
On Tuesday, May 6th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the representatives from the three Lebanese Armenian Political Parties: Vanig Dakessian (the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party), Hagop Pakradouni (the Armenian Revolutionary Federation), and Dr. Avedis Dakessian (The Armenian Democratic Liberal Party). During the meeting, His Holiness welcomed the collaboration among the parties and stressed…
Following its 51st Assembly, the Diocesan National Representative Assembly of the Western Prelacy in the USA extended an official letter to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, requesting his ratification of the election of HE Arch. Kegham Khatcherian as their prelate. His Holiness ratified the election and offered his blessings in a pontifical letter. Arch. Kegham…
On Tuesday, April 30th, 2024, the Regional Committee of Homenetmen in Lebanon visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. They presented their upcoming projects and activities, focusing on the annual celebration of Armenia’s first independence through a festival, and sought His Holiness’ blessings for the event. In response, the Catholicos bestowed his blessings upon them and…
On April 30th, 2024, both His Holiness Catholicos Karekin II of the Holy See of St. Echmiadzin and His Holiness Catholicos Aram I of the Holy See of Cilicia underscored the paramount importance of safeguarding the territorial integrity of the Republic of Armenia. During a recent phone conversation, the Catholicoi addressed pressing concerns facing Armenia…
On Friday, April 26th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Armenian and the Greek Ambassadors, respectively. His Holiness engaged in discussions with the Armenian Ambassador, Mr. Vahagn Atapekyan, regarding the situation in Armenia and the global commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. The visit of the Greek Ambassador, Despina Koukoulopoulou, aimed to express the…
The Apostolic Nuncio to Lebanon His Excellency Monsignor Paolo Borgia visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and extended a letter from Pope Francis. During the meeting, they discussed topics related to Lebanon.
This year, as we remember the anniversary of the Armenian Genocide, we face even greater challenges. Azerbaijan, aided by Turkey, committed another genocide in the historical Armenian land of Artsakh and continues to threaten Armenia’s sovereignty. Despite these atrocities, Armenians remain steadfast in their faith for redemption and unwavering in their pursuit of justice. The…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the Armenian Genocide commemoration event organized by the three Armenian political parties in Lebanon: The Social Democrat Hunchakian Party, the Armenian Revolutionary Federation, and the Democratic Liberal Party (Ramgavar) at the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias. The gathering followed a torchlight procession from the Armenian neighborhood in Bourdj…
On Sunday, April 21st, 2024, during the Divine Liturgy at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, in his Pontifical message to the faithful, spoke of the suffering Armenian population of Artsakh and their struggle. He assured them of the commitment of the Armenian church to seek solutions and affirm…
On Saturday evening, April 20th, 2024, a meeting convened at the office of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to address concerns regarding Artsakh. Attendees included Dr. Luis Moreno Ocampo, Founder and Former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Vartan Osganian, Former Minister of Foreign Affairs in Armenia, and Mario Nalbandian, Vice-President of the Socialist…
On April 19th, 2024, First Prosecutor Dr. Luis Moreno Ocampo arrived in Lebanon upon the invitation of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. The same evening, the First Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, gave a public lecture at the Main Hall of the Catholicosate. He addressed representatives of the Armenian community educational, social, and political…
On Friday, April 19th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received Dr. Louis Moreno Ocampo, Founder and Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (from 2003 to 2012). During their meeting, they discussed issues related to recent Azerbaijan-Artsakh-Armenia relations, the Artsakh 2020 war, the Artsakh blockade, and the forced displacement of indigenous Armenians of Artsakh.…
– Friday morning, April 19th: Book launch event for “Armenian Genocide and Armenian Orphans,” a commemorative volume honoring the 100th anniversary of the Birds’ Nest orphanage, at the above-mentioned orphanage, in Byblos. – Friday evening, April 19th: Lecture by Luis Moreno Ocampo, founding Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, discussing the Genocide Convention’s deficiency…
Berdj Setrakian, President of the Armenian General Benevolent Union. They discussed challenges facing Armenia and Armenia-Diaspora relations. Dr. Martine Najem Kteily, Vice President of the Free Patriotic Movement. They engaged in discussions about issues concerning Lebanon. Hranoush Hagopian, former minister of Armenia Diaspora. His Holiness commended Hagopian’s significant contributions to Armenia-Diaspora cooperation and…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I has bestowed upon philanthropist Yercho Samuelian the Knight of Cilicia insignia, at the request of the Prelate of Lebanon, Archbishop Shahe Panossian. This honor is a token of appreciation for Samuelian’s longstanding dedication to the Armenian Community and Church. In a pontifical encyclical issued on this occasion, His Holiness praises…
On the occasion of the Feast of the Holy Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Armenian Catholic Patriarch, His Beatitude Raphaël Bedros XXI, and his delegation visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on Friday, April 5th, 2024. The meeting provided an opportunity to discuss topics pertaining to Lebanon, Armenia, and Armenians around the globe.
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over and conducted the Divine Liturgy on Sunday morning, March 31st, 2024, to celebrate the Feast of the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral at the Catholicosate of Cilicia in Antelias. During his homily, His Holiness referenced John 16:33, emphasizing Christ’s victory over…
Presided over by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on the eve of Easter, Saturday, March 30th, the Easter Vigil service (Jrakaluyts) took place during the Divine Liturgy, conducted by the Cathedral’s grand sacristan, HE Arch. Gomidas Ohanian. At the conclusion of the service, the grand sacristan lit a candle from the altar and presented it…
On the evening of March 29th, 2024, a solemn service marked Good Friday, recalling the burial of our Lord Jesus Christ, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias. His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the service and delivered his message. Quoting 1 Peter 3:18 “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I led the somber vigil service of Maundy Thursday, marking the Passion of Christ, on March 28th, 2024, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral. The service included readings from the Bible and Gospel, the extinguishing of 12 candles, recitation of hymns, and the poignant song “Where are you, my mother?” evoking…
On March 28th, 2024, Holy Thursday observances commenced at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias, presided over by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. The day began with the Canon of Repentance followed by the morning Eucharist, leading up to the Washing of the Feet Service in the afternoon, and concluding with the evening service…
On Great and Holy Tuesday, during the evening service, the Armenian Church commemorated the parable of the Ten Maidens, in Antelias. Per tradition, during the Gospel reading, ten young students from the Catholicosate Sunday School presented themselves in front of the Altar holding candles; the five ‘wise’ women were prepared to wait for the ‘bridegroom’…
On Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, a meeting was held between His Holiness Catholicos Aram I and the Syriac Orthodox Patriarch of Antioch Moran Mor Ignatius Aphrem II, at the Patriarchal Residence of the Syriac Orthodox church in Atchaneh. The discussions centered around various ecumenical matters. His Holiness was accompanied by HE Arch. Nareg Alemezian and V. Rev.…
On the evening of Palm Sunday, March 24th, 2024, the Opening of the Portals ceremony took place at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, presided over by His Holiness Aram I. HE Arch. Shahan Sarkissian conducted the ceremony, symbolizing the Second Coming of Jesus Christ and the opening of the door of Salvation. Archbishop Shahan quoted…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I presided over the Palm Sunday celebration at the Catholicosate of the Holy See of Cilicia in Antelias on Sunday, March 24th, 2024. Archbishop Shahan Sarkissian celebrated the Divine Liturgy and led the traditional procession, with children, young adults, and all other faithful holding olive branches and following the clergy and…
On Saturday, March 23rd, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I met with representatives from the three Armenian Political Parties active in Lebanon: Vanig Dakessian (the Social Democrat Hunchakian Party), Hagop Pakradouni (the Armenian Revolutionary Federation), and Dr. Avedis Dakessian (The Armenian Democratic Liberal Party). During the meeting, they discussed the upcoming events commemorating the…
On Wednesday evening, March 20th, 2024, an Ecumenical gathering was hosted by the Catholicosate of Cilicia on the occasion of the WCC General Secretary Prof. Rev. Dr. Jerry Pillay’s inaugural visit to Lebanon. The Ecumenical Officer of the Holy See of Cilicia, V. Rev. Fr. Hrant Tahanian, conveyed the opening remarks. His Holiness Catholicos Aram…
On Friday, March 22nd, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Armenian Ambassador to Lebanon, Vahakn Atapekyan. They discussed issues pertaining to Armenia and Lebanon.
On Thursday, March 21st, 2024, Rev. Prof. Dr. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary of the World Council of Churches (WCC), paid a visit to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. Accompanying the General Secretary were Carla Khijoyan—WCC Programme Executive for the Middle East—and Seta Khedeshian—Associate Secretary General of the Middle East Council of Churches. The discussion…
From March 12th to 15th, 2024, the Lay and Religious Councils of the Central Council of the Catholicosate, the prelates of the Holy See of Cilicia, and chairs of the Catholicosate’s diocesan executive councils convened in Antelias, presided over by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. During the meetings, reports from various departments and committees were…
Under the auspices of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, the Armenian Church, Holy See of Cilicia observed the Feast of St. Gregory the Illuminator’s Descent into the Pit (Khor Virab) and the Catholicosate’s Pilgrimage Day on March 17th and 18th, 2024, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral in Antelias. On Sunday, March 18th, the Divine…
During the Antelias Pilgrimage Day, sacred relics housed in the Cilicia Museum are unveiled for the faithful. As such, on March 16th, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, along with the Cilician Brotherhood, took out from the Cilicia Museum relics of several saints from the rich heritage of the Catholicosate of Cilicia. Notably, during the Divine…
On the evening of March 16th, 2024, a vigil service marked the eve of the Antelias Pilgrimage Day, which coincides with the feast commemorating St. Gregory the Illuminator’s descent into the Dungeon (Khor Virab). His Holiness Aram I presided over the service and delivered a sermon emphasizing the significance of spiritual rebirth, led by St.…
The Catholicosate of Cilicia has unveiled the Khoren Ayp Center, located in the renovated premises of the former Karageozian and later Souren Khanamirian Armenian school in Leylavan—an Armenian neighborhood in Fanar. This center aims to serve as a hub for youth engagement and various social and academic activities. The official opening ceremony, held on Thursday,…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I elevated four bishops of the Cilician Brotherhood to the rank of Archbishop: Bp. Magar Ashkarian (Prelate of Aleppo); Bp. Sipan Ketchedjian (Prelate of Isfahan); Bp. Mesrob Sarkissian (Prelate of UAE and Qatar); and Bp. Torkom Donoyan (Prelate of Western Prelacy of the USA). The ceremony took place on Thursday, March…
The World Council of Churches commissions held their inaugural meetingս in WCC headquarters in Geneva from the 5th to the 8th of March, 2024 to discuss their strategic plan for the current 8-year cycle. On behalf of the Holy See of Cilicia, Arshav Jerjerian, a member of the Armenian Church University Students Association, participated in…
Presided by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, the Lay and Religious Councils of the Central Council of the Catholicosate will convene in the coming days. The Religious Council will address religious matters on day one, while the Lay Council will focus on organizational aspects on day two. His Holiness will hold separate meetings with representatives…
His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Canadian Ambassador to Lebanon, Stefanie McCollum, accompanied by her political advisor. They discussed matters pertaining to the Lebanese presidential election, the situation of the south and Lebanon, and relations between Lebanon and Canada.
On March 8th, the Cilician Brotherhood and Catholicosate staff gathered for a small celebration honoring the birthday of His Holiness Catholicos Aram I. Together, they expressed their well wishes for His Holiness’s longevity, health, and continued blessed service. During the gathering, His Holiness extended his gratitude and bestowed his paternal blessing upon those present,…
During the recent meetings of three World Council of Churches (WCC) commissions in Geneva, Prof. Dr. Nora Bayrakdarian, representing the Holy See of Cilicia, was elected as vice moderator of the Commission of the Churches on International Affairs. At the session, she delivered a lecture titled “Global Governance: Challenges and Emerging Geopolitical Trends.” Prof.…
On Thursday, March 7th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Japanese Ambassador to Lebanon, Mr. Magoshi Masayuki. This was the Ambassador’s inaugural visit to the Catholicosate. During the meeting, His Holiness provided an overview of the Holy See of Cilicia, shedding light on its mission and departments, as well as briefed on…
The Armenian Prelacy of Lebanon joyfully reinstated the cherished tradition of inviting His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to preside over the Mid-Lent sunrise service (Arevakal) at St. Nichan Cathedral on March 6th, 2024. Members of the Cilician Brotherhood and the seminarians accompanied His Holiness Aram I, while Armenian high school students and members of…
On Monday, March 4th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received a delegation from the Ethiopian community in Lebanon. Conveying warm fraternal greetings from the spiritual head of the Ethiopian church, they expressed gratitude for His Holiness’ care and support. It is noteworthy that the Ethiopian church does not have a state recognition in…
The Zavarian Students Association (ZSA) of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) marked the beginning of its 120th-anniversary celebrations with a visit to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, seeking his pontifical blessings for their celebratory year, on Saturday, March 2nd, 2024. Vatche Nadjarian, the ZSA representative on the ARF Central Committee, led the delegation. This…
On Friday, March 1st, 2024, the newly elected Archbishop of Mount Lebanon and Tripoli of the Syriac Orthodox Church, HE Mor Chrysostomos Mikhael Shamoun, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, seeking pontifical blessing for his new role. His Holiness Aram I welcomed the guest expressing well wishes for his pastoral endeavors and highlighting the…
The Regional Committee of the Armenian Relief Cross of Lebanon (ARCL) and the director of the Araxi Boulghourdjian Socio-Medical Center of the ARCL visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on Tuesday, February 27th, 2024, to receive pontifical blessings for their mission. On this occasion, they briefed His Holiness Aram I on their current and forthcoming…
Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud, and Beirut Mayor Abdallah Darwish, accompanied by Beirut Municipality Council member Aram Malian, visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on Thursday, February 29th, 2024. Welcoming the visitors, His Holiness commended the Beirut Municipality’s work amid socio-economic challenges. He highlighted the active role of the Armenian community in the Municipality work,…
From February 22nd to 26th, 2024, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I hosted a delegation from the Mesrob Mashdots Institute of Ancient Manuscripts, Armenia, also known as Madenataran, in Antelias. The delegation, led by Director Ara Khzmalyan, included Deputy Director Vahe Torossian and Advisors to Director Kourken Kasbarian and Mihran Minassian. Throughout the visit, the…
On Monday, February 26th, 2023, His Holiness Catholicos Aram I received the Lebanese ambassador to the Vatican, Dr. Farid el-Khazen. Dr. el-Khazen updated His Holiness on the ongoing Vatican discussions concerning Lebanon, especially regarding the delayed Lebanese presidential election, the socioeconomic crisis, and the Gaza war. They also discussed internal Lebanese affairs and…
Pan-Armenian fundraising for the Center for the Preservation of Artsakh’s cultural heritage was initiated on February 20th, 2024 and will continue until March 23rd, 2024. The center was established in response to Azerbaijan’s occupation of Artsakh and the destruction of its centuries-old cultural and spiritual heritage. In an address on this occasion conveyed by…
On February 23rd, 2024 a delegation of SEMAS Bourdj Hamoud students visited His Holiness Catholicos Aram I to seek his blessings for their first-place victory in the SEMAS Lebanon National Competition. SEMAS, which stands for Soroban Education Mental Arithmetic System, was initially introduced to Lebanon by the Kendirjian family. Currently, Sevan Kendirjian-Sherbetjian directs and…
The Permanent Christian Conference paid a visit to His Holiness Catholicos Aram I on Thursday, February 22nd, 2024. Their purpose was to seek His Holiness’s insights and opinions on their intention to establish ecumenical cooperation among various Lebanese sects. During the meeting, the delegation presented the outcomes of their efforts in areas such as…
Presided over by His Holiness Catholicos Aram I, on Thursday, February 22nd, 2024, the final unction and funeral service for V. Rev. Fr. Yeghishe Mandjigian was conducted by HE Arch. Gomidas Ohanian, at St. Gregory the Illuminator Cathedral, in Antelias. During the eulogy, Arch. Gomidas quoted Colossians 1:25, emphasizing the dedicated service of the…
